Admissions

Your high school education is a essential to your formation and your future. We partner with you and your family to ensure the accessibility of our extraordinary academic programs and your future success.

Student Life

Experience all aspects of high school life in our very involved and interconnected campus. With over 30 clubs and organizations plus a continuous calendar of community activities, service opportunities, and international trips, there is no shortage of opportunity to get involved.

Giving

Since 1962, West Catholic has provided a dynamic excellence-driven Catholic education that has transformed generations of students. Help drive our commitment to academic innovation, faith, and impact in both our community and the world.

Admissions

Your high school education is a essential to your formation and your future. We partner with you and your family to ensure the accessibility of our extraordinary academic programs and your future success.

Student Life

Experience all aspects of high school life in our very involved and interconnected campus. With over 30 clubs and organizations plus a continuous calendar of community activities, service opportunities, and international trips, there is no shortage of opportunity to get involved.

Giving

Since 1962, West Catholic has provided a dynamic excellence-driven Catholic education that has transformed generations of students. Help drive our commitment to academic innovation, faith, and impact in both our community and the world.

Course Number: S814​Open to grades: ​ 9, 10Credit Hours: 1 Credit (Fulfills grade 10 Biology requirement)Prerequisite: Algebra I with a “B” or better; Geometry taken previously or concurrently; Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: This is a survey course in which the learner becomes scientifically literate in basic biological topics, developing skills of problem-solving, communication, goal setting and attainment while applying that knowledge and skills to understand real-world events and life systems. Students will be able to experience science using equipment such as microscopes, computers and other current technologies. This course covers the same content as Biology with the difference being emphasis, pace and student expectations.

Students not taking Integrated Science (but meet criteria to take Honors Biology in 9th grade) must take a Biology, Chemistry and Physics course.

Integrated Science

Course Number: S811Open to grades: ​ 9Credit Hours: 1 CreditPrerequisite: Algebra I taken previously or concurrentlyCourse Description: This course will examine the major components of the Earth systems: the geosphere (solid Earth), the hydrosphere (the liquid part of the planet), the atmosphere (gaseous part of the planet) and the biosphere (the living part of the planet). We will examine Earth’s systems and cycles as well as the movement of matter and energy within and among them. The course will also integrate the concepts of motion, forces, magnetism, electrical circuits, waves, light and nuclear reactions.

Honors Integrated Science

Course Number: S812​Open to grades: ​ 9Credit Hours: 1 CreditPrerequisite: Algebra I taken previously or concurrently​Course Description: This course covers the same content as Integrated Science with the difference being emphasis, pace, performance expectations and level of student responsibility.

Astronomy

Course Number: S827Open to grades: ​ 9, 10, 11, 12Credit Hours: 1/2 CreditPrerequisite: NoneCourse Description: This course will examine the major components of Astronomy, including the solar system, stellar formation, the death of stars and the remnants of that process, and observations of objects that we can see in the night sky with and without the aid of a telescope. Nighttime observation will be a requirement of this course.

Course Number: S813Open to grades: ​ 9, 10Credit Hours: 1 Credit (Fulfills grade 10 Biology requirement)Prerequisite: Algebra I with a “B” or better; Geometry taken previously or concurrently; Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: This is a survey course in which the learner becomes scientifically literate in basic biological topics, developing skills of problem-solving, communication, goal setting and attainment while applying that knowledge and skills to understand real-world events and life systems. Students will be able to experience science using equipment such as microscopes, computers and other current technologies.​

Honors Biology

Course Number: S814​Open to grades: ​ 9, 10Credit Hours: 1 Credit (Fulfills grade 10 Biology requirement)Prerequisite: Algebra I with a “B” or better; Geometry taken previously or concurrently; Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: This is a survey course in which the learner becomes scientifically literate in basic biological topics, developing skills of problem-solving, communication, goal setting and attainment while applying that knowledge and skills to understand real-world events and life systems. Students will be able to experience science using equipment such as microscopes, computers and other current technologies. This course covers the same content as Biology, with the difference being emphasis, pace and student expectations.

Students not taking Integrated Science (but meet criteria to take Honors Biology in 9th grade) must take a Biology, Chemistry and Physics course.

Chemistry

Course Number: S829Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12Credit Hours: 1 CreditPrerequisite: Biology, “C+” or better in Algebra, Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: This Chemistry course will allow students to develop a basic knowledge and understanding of the concepts of chemistry. The course will provide the students with laboratory activities designed to enhance chemical concepts. Topics covered are chemical formulas and equations, modern atomic structure, phases of matter, mole concept and stoichiometry, and acid-base theory.

Honors Chemistry

Course Number: S8129Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12Credit Hours: 1 CreditPrerequisite: Honors Biology, Geometry, “B” or better in Algebra, Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: This Chemistry course will allow students to develop a basic knowledge and understanding of the concepts of chemistry. The course will provide the students with laboratory activities designed to enhance chemical concepts. Topics covered are chemical formulas and equations, modern atomic structure, phases of matter, mole concept and stoichiometry, and acid-base theory. This course covers the same content as Chemistry, with the difference being emphasis, pace and student expectations.

Astronomy

Course Number: S827Open to grades: ​ 9, 10, 11, 12Credit Hours: 1/2 CreditPrerequisite: NoneCourse Description: This course will examine the major components of the Astronomy, including the solar system, stellar formation, the death of stars and the remnants of that process, and observations of objects that we can see in the night sky with and without the aid of a telescope. Nighttime observation will be a requirement of this course.

Course Number: S434Open to grades: ​ 11, 12Credit Hours: 1 CreditPrerequisite: Biology, Chemistry taken previously or concurrently, minimum 2.75 G.P.A., Department Approval RequiredCourse Description: This course presents the anatomy and functions of the human body. It is presented through a unit method covering the skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, integumentary, endocrine, excretory and reproductive systems. Knowledge presented in this course will be helpful for students considering a career in medicine, nursing and health-related fields. An anatomical dissection of a cat is an integral part of this course.

AP Biology

Course Number: S830Open to grades: ​ 11, 12Credit Hours: 1.5 CreditsOffered: Even-Numbered YearsPrerequisite: Minimum B average in Honors Chemistry, Minimum B average in Honors Biology; minimum 3.5 Weighted GPA, Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: This class will be presented in block form from 7:30 - 8:51 a.m. There will be a mandatory meeting at the end of this school year to hand out textbooks and explain the course requirements and expectations. Students will begin the class having covered Unit 1: “The Chemistry of Life” on their own. Topics covered will be the biochemistry of molecules and cells, including cellular energetics, coupled reactions and the cell cycle. Also investigated will be heredity and molecular genetics. Diversity of organisms as related to structural, physiological and behavioral adaptations will be considered. Students will be required to complete all 12 AP Biology laboratory investigations. Students taking this course are required to take the AP exam in May. It is strongly encouraged that students purchase Cliffs AP Biology by Phillip Pack.

Chemistry in the Community

Course Number: S816Open to grades: ​ 11, 12Credit Hours: 1 CreditPrerequisite: BiologyCourse Description: This course is designed to help students:

Realize the important role that chemistry will play in their personal and professional lives.

Use chemical knowledge to think through and make informed decisions about issues involving science and technology.

Develop a lifelong awareness of both the potential and the limitations of science and technology.

This course is structured around motivating issues in the community involving chemistry rather than around specific chemical concepts. The usefulness of relevant chemistry is stressed instead of requiring memorization of facts. ChemCom emphasizes decision-making processes and cultivates critical thinking. It is designed for the college-bound student who does not plan to major in a science.

Chemistry

Course Number: S829Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12Credit Hours: 1 CreditPrerequisite: Completed Biology, “C+” or better in Algebra, Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: This Chemistry course will allow students to develop a basic knowledge and understanding of the concepts of chemistry. The course will provide the students with laboratory activities designed to enhance chemical concepts. Topics covered are chemical formulas and equations, modern atomic structure, phases of matter, mole concept and stoichiometry, and acid-base theory.

Honors Chemistry

Course Number: S819Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12Credit Hours: 1.5 CreditsOffered: Odd-Numbered YearsPrerequisite: Completed Honors Biology, Completed Geometry, “B” or better in Algebra, Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: This Chemistry course will allow students to develop a basic knowledge and understanding of the concepts of chemistry. The course will provide the students with laboratory activities designed to enhance chemical concepts. Topics covered are chemical formulas and equations, modern atomic structure, phases of matter, mole concept and stoichiometry, and acid-base theory. This course covers the same content as Chemistry, with the difference being emphasis, pace and student expectations.

AP Chemistry

Course Number: S824Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12Credit Hours: 1 CreditPrerequisite: Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: This Chemistry course will allow students to develop a basic knowledge and understanding of the concepts of chemistry. The course will provide the students with laboratory activities designed to enhance chemical concepts. Topics covered are chemical formulas and equations, modern atomic structure, phases of matter, mole concept and stoichiometry, and acid-base theory. This course covers the same content as Chemistry, with the difference being emphasis, pace and student expectations.

Physics

Course Number: S820Open to grades: ​ 11, 12Credit Hours: 1 CreditPrerequisite: Algebra II/Trigonometry, Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: Students will develop an understanding of physics in the world around them by using mechanics and electricity and magnetism. Students will use Algebra II and Trigonometry concepts to solve problems and analyze data gathered in laboratory situations. Situations will be analyzed using Newton's laws and the conservation of energy. A component of the course will also focus on electricity and magnetism and electrical circuits. As time permits, modern physical theories will be explored.

AP Physics

Course Number: S824Open to grades: ​ 11, 12Credit Hours: 1 CreditPrerequisite: Algebra II/Trigonometry with a B or better, Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: AP Physics will provide students with the opportunity to pursue and receive credit for college-level coursework. Enthusiasm for science is a must. Topics such as Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics will be presented in considerable depth to prepare students for the multiple choice section of the AP Physics Test. Students will solve problems during laboratory investigations and through chapter reviews, computer-generated problems and AP Physics test reviews. Students will learn to apply given information to new situations as expected in the free-response section of the AP Physics Test. Students taking this course are required to take the AP Physics Exam in May.

Pre-Engineering

Course Number: S920Open to grades: ​ 11, 12Credit Hours: 1 CreditPrerequisite: Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: This course will provide students with an overall view of the three main threads of engineering: Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical. This includes an introduction to the engineering design process and resource design tools by means of projects, lectures and homework. Team projects require application of creativity, engineering analysis and computational tools. Reading, lectures and discussions also examine the areas of technology in society, engineering ethics and library research methods. The computer and various software tools are introduced and used for this course.

AP Environmental Science

Course Number: S832Open to grades: ​ 11, 12Credit Hours: 1 CreditPrerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: Equivalent to a one-semester introductory college course in environmental science, this class provides students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. AP Environmental Science will provide students with the opportunity to pursue and receive credit for college-level coursework. AP Environmental Science is unique because it is multidisciplinary, drawing its content from geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, meteorology, geography and social issues. Attendance at fieldwork experiences is mandatory. Students are required to take the AP Environmental Science exam in May.

Astronomy

Course Number: S827Open to grades: ​ 9, 10, 11, 12Credit Hours: 1/2 CreditPrerequisite: NoneCourse Description: This course will examine the major components of the Astronomy, including the solar system, stellar formation, the death of stars and the remnants of that process, and observations of objects that we can see in the night sky with and without the aid of a telescope. Nighttime observation will be a requirement of this course.

Course Number: S434Open to grades: ​ 11, 12Credit Hours: 1 CreditPrerequisite: Biology, Chemistry taken previously or concurrently, minimum 2.75 G.P.A., Department Approval RequiredCourse Description: This course presents the anatomy and functions of the human body. It is presented through a unit method covering the skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, integumentary, endocrine, excretory and reproductive systems. Knowledge presented in this course will be helpful for students considering a career in medicine, nursing and health-related fields. An anatomical dissection of a cat is an integral part of this course.

AP Biology

Course Number: S830Open to grades: ​ 11, 12Credit Hours: 1.5 CreditsOffered: Even-Numbered YearsPrerequisite: Minimum B average in Honors Chemistry, Minimum B average in Honors Biology; minimum 3.5 Weighted GPA, Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: This class will be presented in block form from 7:30 - 8:51 a.m. There will be a mandatory meeting at the end of this school year to hand out textbooks and explain the course requirements and expectations. Students will begin the class having covered Unit 1: “The Chemistry of Life” on their own. Topics covered will be the biochemistry of molecules and cells, including cellular energetics, coupled reactions and the cell cycle. Also investigated will be heredity and molecular genetics. Diversity of organisms as related to structural, physiological and behavioral adaptations will be considered. Students will be required to complete all 12 AP Biology laboratory investigations. Students taking this course are required to take the AP exam in May. It is strongly encouraged that students purchase Cliffs AP Biology by Phillip Pack.

Chemistry in the Community

Course Number: S816Open to grades: ​ 11, 12Credit Hours: 1 CreditPrerequisite: BiologyCourse Description: This course is designed to help students:

Realize the important role that chemistry will play in their personal and professional lives.

Use chemical knowledge to think through and make informed decisions about issues involving science and technology.

Develop a lifelong awareness of both the potential and the limitations of science and technology.

This course is structured around motivating issues in the community involving chemistry rather than around specific chemical concepts. The usefulness of relevant chemistry is stressed instead of requiring memorization of facts. ChemCom emphasizes decision-making processes and cultivates critical thinking. It is designed for the college-bound student who does not plan to major in a science.

Chemistry

Course Number: S829Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12Credit Hours: 1 CreditPrerequisite: Completed Biology, “C+” or better in Algebra, Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: This Chemistry course will allow students to develop a basic knowledge and understanding of the concepts of chemistry. The course will provide the students with laboratory activities designed to enhance chemical concepts. Topics covered are chemical formulas and equations, modern atomic structure, phases of matter, mole concept and stoichiometry, and acid-base theory.

Honors Chemistry

Course Number: S819Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12Credit Hours: 1.5 CreditsOffered: Odd-Numbered YearsPrerequisite: Completed Honors Biology, Completed Geometry, “B” or better in Algebra, Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: This Chemistry course will allow students to develop a basic knowledge and understanding of the concepts of chemistry. The course will provide the students with laboratory activities designed to enhance chemical concepts. Topics covered are chemical formulas and equations, modern atomic structure, phases of matter, mole concept and stoichiometry, and acid-base theory. This course covers the same content as Chemistry, with the difference being emphasis, pace and student expectations.

AP Chemistry

Course Number: S824Open to grades: ​ 10, 11, 12Credit Hours: 1 CreditPrerequisite: Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: This Chemistry course will allow students to develop a basic knowledge and understanding of the concepts of chemistry. The course will provide the students with laboratory activities designed to enhance chemical concepts. Topics covered are chemical formulas and equations, modern atomic structure, phases of matter, mole concept and stoichiometry, and acid-base theory. This course covers the same content as Chemistry, with the difference being emphasis, pace and student expectations.

Physics

Course Number: S820Open to grades: ​ 11, 12Credit Hours: 1 CreditPrerequisite: Algebra II/Trigonometry, Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: Students will develop an understanding of physics in the world around them by using mechanics and electricity and magnetism. Students will use Algebra II and Trigonometry concepts to solve problems and analyze data gathered in laboratory situations. Situations will be analyzed using Newton's laws and the conservation of energy. A component of the course will also focus on electricity and magnetism and electrical circuits. As time permits, modern physical theories will be explored.

AP Physics

Course Number: S824Open to grades: ​ 11, 12Credit Hours: 1 CreditPrerequisite: Algebra II/Trigonometry with a B or better, Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: AP Physics will provide students with the opportunity to pursue and receive credit for college-level coursework. Enthusiasm for science is a must. Topics such as Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, as well as atomic and nuclear physics will be presented in considerable depth to prepare students for the multiple choice section of the AP Physics Test. Students will solve problems during laboratory investigations and through chapter reviews, computer-generated problems and AP Physics test reviews. Students will learn to apply given information to new situations as expected in the free-response section of the AP Physics Test. Students taking this course are required to take the AP Physics Exam in May.

Pre-Engineering

Course Number: S920Open to grades: ​ 11, 12Credit Hours: 1 CreditPrerequisite: Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: This course will provide students with an overall view of the three main threads of engineering: Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical. This includes an introduction to the engineering design process and resource design tools by means of projects, lectures and homework. Team projects require application of creativity, engineering analysis and computational tools. Reading, lectures and discussions also examine the areas of technology in society, engineering ethics and library research methods. The computer and various software tools are introduced and used for this course.

AP Environmental Science

Course Number: S832Open to grades: ​ 11, 12Credit Hours: 1 CreditPrerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, Departmental Approval RequiredCourse Description: Equivalent tp a one-semester introductory college course in environmental science, this class provides students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. AP Environmental Science will provide students with the opportunity to pursue and receive credit for college-level coursework. AP Environmental Science is unique because it is multidisciplinary, drawing its content from geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, meteorology, geography and social issues. Attendance at fieldwork experiences is mandatory. Students are required to take the AP Environmental Science exam in May.

Astronomy

Course Number: S827Open to grades: ​ 9, 10, 11, 12Credit Hours: 1/2 CreditPrerequisite: NoneCourse Description: This course will examine the major components of the Astronomy, including the solar system, stellar formation, the death of stars and the remnants of that process, and observations of objects that we can see in the night sky with and without the aid of a telescope. Nighttime observation will be a requirement of this course.